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Welcome!

Jennifer Douglas is a literary publicist who believes in the right of equality for all authors. With a vision of a world where positivity is the norm and negativity is long forgotten Jennifer works alongside authors creating a marketing and publicity plan that meets the needs of the individual.

With years of experience in publicity, public relations and the marketing industry, which includes working with Allen and Unwin and Palmer Higgs Publishing, Jennifer has become a well sort after reviewer. To work with Jennifer is to know you are working with someone who will not hold back on being open and honest about your book and its marketing possibilities.

Having undertaken many courses in writing and poetry over the years Jennifer has a vast knowledge in the field of writing and reviewing, being able to provide an efficient, effective and professional service. As a qualified Early Childhood Educator and a home educating mum with over 16 years experience, she has a passion for quality children's books and educational resources.

Having spent 6 years as the founder and managing editor of two magazines, Good Gabble and Rattling Reviews, Jennifer has an eye for marketing and sales, knowing what the consumer is looking for and how to reach them. She works individually with each client meeting their needs and the needs of their product. She has many years experience in critiquing websites, placing herself in the shoes of the consumer who is browsing. Many clients return time and time again knowing they will be receiving an honest, open and non judgmental review or critique. Jennifer prides herself on providing a friendly, non threatening and personal service. Her clients are able to contact her personally throughout the whole review process.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Circus Olympia - More Than A Show...........A Community

* As published in Good Gabble Newzine July 2010

To live in a circus community is to live in a community of trust, friendship and loyalty. With a blend of cultures from all around the globe there is a sense of tolerance, sharing and understanding. There is little time for fights or judgement. To observe the work of a circus community is to watch a group of individuals who unite together, enjoying the company of each other and life.

I was recently given a glimpse of the circus life with a behind the scene's tour and a chance to watch a show that will stay in my memory for a long time to come.

It was evident that this small community of 29 people are unified with their love to perform and their love of this country. With acrobatics and feats that not only entertain but send a thrill up your spine, there is no time for harsh feelings or bitterness. The Circus Olympia community is built on togetherness and lots of fun.

“There is no boss/employee within this community, it is one big family,” Kyra, my tour host, informed me. “If you have a disagreement you just get over it. There is no time to hold a grudge as the show must go on.”

Respect and friendship was surely noticed in Kyra's interactions with Chavella, who works in office administration, as they joked light heartedly together. As I observed the community in action I saw a group of people who, although busy, had time to stop, smile and chat amongst themselves. Even though I was an outsider I was instantly made at ease and felt very welcome.

Having only been touring for 2 years, Circus Olympia is still young. They are small in comparison to other circus's with the youngest performer being 5 years old. Each member or family travel with their own caravan which is either provided by the circus or self owned.

“When you join a van can be provided but if you want to do anything to it, like hang things up, you are best to purchase your own. A bit like renting and buying” says Kyra.

Circus Olympia are fully self contained with their own bathrooms and washing facilities. All motor homes and vans are a home away from home with the community travelling for 11 months of the year. Many return to family during the one month break over December.

Of the 29 members in the community there are only 10 who perform with others involved in behind the scenes work, administration, sales and various other roles. All members pitch in together, being versatile in their job, ready to lend a hand when called upon. “When times get tough there is always someone to talk to and someone to help you out” says Kyra

When the show is over and it is time to move it is all hands on deck as the tent is dismantled, the animals packed up and the caravans hitched and moved. It takes a team of 10 -12 men 6 hours to dismantle the tent but 11/2 days to erect. Moving involves a lot of organisation, with a tight schedule. Circus Olympia keep the distance between show destinations to a minimum so as to not have the animals caged and transported for long periods of time. The animals are the first that the team relocate. A safe open area is immediately set up for them where they are given fresh water and food. It is obvious that they are very much a part of the community and a great companion to all.

Next time you attend the circus or see them on the road I urge you to stop and think of the lifestyle they lead and what it must take for a community to work so tightly together 7 days a week for 11 months of the year. Circus life – A special life full of special people!

Testimonials

Not so long ago I was drifting through some internet sites offering to review or market self-published novels. I was wondering if any review would make my book come alive for readers, agents, or the marketing world in general. I chanced upon your site. "Australia!" I breathed. "How about that." Awfully far away, it was not a promising avenue. Until I read your site and what you offered. Here was a much more hands-on, reviewing and marketing approach. The cost was reasonable and though the review did not promise a five-star finish, and the marketing plan didn't tantalize with guaranteed six figure sales, it did promise care and seriousness. So sincere was the pitch, that I counted out my shekels, e-mailed you, and officially asked you to help me. Imagine my surprise when you turned out to be someone who had the best interests for my novel at heart. You spent much time on an in-depth review and suggested a marketing plan which was going to involve a lot more work for you than I expected; nor did I dream that you would take my work to heart and propose a way of presenting it not just to Australia, but to the whole English speaking world. I always thought I was a dreamer, but you are the dreamer that has made me into a believer about the power of marketing and the importance of having an expert in the field present one's book to the public. Already a joy to work with, you have turned out to be a reviewer that can also market a book and make an author believe that the book he wrote, which he thinks is very good, is going to be seen as great by the wider reading public. That's a gift that's priceless. Thanks for believing in me and strengthening my own appreciation of my work. Is this a partnership? Nope, it is better than that. It is an adventure, one which I am glad to be taking with you. You calmed a lot of my worries, and as you folks say down under, "No more worries mate, no more worries at all!

E. R. BarrAuthor of ROAN: The Tales of Conor Archer, vol. 1

Katrina Cavanough wanted to thank you very much for the review of her book Wisdom For Your Life. "It was so thorough and amazing...I'm a bit lost for words really"

Amy Milne, Allen and Unwin

It's two months since I first contacted Jennifer Douglas. In her immediate reply she wrote " I'm sure I can help you'.

Jennifer's help was phenomenal. With a passion for helping to create high quality work and for assisting authors get the word out about their book, she has been a joy to work with.

Closely collaborating, and constantly giving feedback, she has been unfailing, inspirational and supportive.

As promised, two months after my first contact the review of 'Aspects of Creativity' is already on a wide range of important media sites.

I highly recommend Jennifer Douglas to anyone looking for a very special independent reviewer.

Dulcie M. Stone MBE

'I was about to write to you to find out how you were going with yourreading of the pile of books we sent and thought “I’ll just browsethrough the latest addition” ( Good Gabble Newzine). And what did I find? The most fantastic appreciation of Elizabeth and her work that I have seen. I know what she’s like, but lots of others miss all that you have seen in her. I am deeply moved by what you wrote and have just had the pleasure of printing off the page and giving it to her. She hadn’t realised, justas I hadn’t, that there was something in there about her. Thank you from me' Ken Mellor